Do moderates have a place in our society? (issues, people)

[-Chatterboxx-]

Recently, someone posted a comment about being a moderate, and the difficulties that come along with that in our divisive, polarized society. I’ve noticed this as well. It seems that if you don’t take a strong stance one way or another, that you get it from both sides of the argument. If you take a balanced approach in your assessment, people blame you for treading the fence. I’ve been a registered Independent voter since I could vote. I’ve voted for either party about equally, though admittedly I’m more conservative fiscally, but liberal when it comes to social issues (live an let live is my mantra).

I feel like I don’t have a place, because I can’t win no matter how balanced I try to be. People will latch on to one little detail that they don’t agree with, and debate endlessly with me about that one little detail. And since my balanced approach to thinking is sure to oppose either side of an argument, I often find myself having to defend myself against both sides rather than just one.

I feel very lonely as a moderate thinker. Have you felt similarly? Have you found a ‘safe space’ for your brand of perspective? If so, where?

Disclaimer: this isn’t about politics, per se, but as a general life philosophy; taking a moderate approach to any issue.

[Spuggy]

I’ve taken heat from both sides for being moderate but I live a life of moderation. Yes there is a place for moderates and while extremes shout the loudest plenty of people quietly persist long after the extremes peter out on one issue and move onto the next.

I’m at an age where I don’t feel compelled to defend myself and long ago accepted that trying to discuss an issue with someone who takes a extreme and uncompromising position is a total waste of my time. I do however make a point of supporting various organizations and always vote.

[CatzPaw]

"Do moderates have a place in our society?"

Well, they'd better or we'll tip off one side or the other of this flat earth.

[JerZ]

Sure! I actually think most people are somewhere in the middle. It's just that the die-hards are the loudest and most visible. I can't even remember the last time I discussed politics heatedly with a single friend and nearly all my friends vote the opposite of my vote (in presidentials, anyway).